Comparing the efficacy of low dose and conventional dose of oral isotretinoin in treatment of moderate and severe acne vulgaris

Abstract

Objective:This study was conducted to compare the effect of low-dose isotretinoin with its conventional dose in patients with moderate and severe acne.Methods:This was a clinical trial conducted on 60 male and female patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin capsule and low-dose isotretinoin capsule (0.25 mg/kg/day). Patients in both groups received 6-month treatment. At the end of the 6th month and 12th month (6 months after the end of the treatment), they were examined again, and their improvement was determined and compared.Findings:The average severity of acne in the two treatment groups did not differ significantly within any of the study periods. The most common side effects were nose dryness in the low-dose group (17%) and hair thinning and loss in the conventional-dose group (33.2%), although all the patients had dry lips.Conclusion:According to the same severity of the acne in two groups in different study periods, as well as fewer side effects and more patients' satisfaction, the low-dose isotretinoin can be considered in the treatment of acne.

The effectiveness of adapalene 0.1% with intense pulsed light versus benzoyl peroxide 5% with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A comparative study

“…[78] Topical therapies including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), retinoids, and sulfone agents are the first-line treatment in mild to moderate acne. [91011] The most common approach for treating AV is oral antibiotics plus topical retinoid or BPO. BPO is a non antibiotic, anti bacterial agent and lipophilic nature that reduce the sebaceous gland activity.…”

A systematic review of isotretinoin dosing in acne vulgaris

“…Four studies 30,34,36,37,43 demonstrated no statistical difference in clinical efficacy between the low dose versus conventional dose at the end of the treatment period (24-30 weeks), with a similar number and timing of relapses in each group.…”

“…One study 30 compared low (0.25 mg/kg/day) versus conventional (0.5 mg/kg/day) dose (alongside a 2‐week regimen of azithromycin and 1 week of prednisolone), demonstrating nonsignificant improvement of acne severity in all groups.…”

Modern possibilities of using systemic retinoids in dermatological practice (review of international literature)

“…G. Faghihi и соавт. [30] провели исследование на 60 больных акне средней и тя желой формы по оценке эффективности стандартной (0,5 мг/кг/cут) и низкодозовой (0,25 мг/кг/сут) терапии СИ в течение 6 мес. Клинических различий между группами не выявили.…”